Next tings

Saturday, 30 May 2009

Is that not the weakest lead girl you've seen in a video for, like, ever?! No back, face is plain, thighs are missing, chest flat like her belly. I understand it isn't one of those Hip-hop videos, but I could have stood on my high street and found one more suitable. Whoever casted her needs to get fired.

Been playing this song on heavy rotation since April Blogged about it beginning of May and still feel to draw for it on a regular basis. Currently sitting on top of RnB and Hip Hop chart, and top 10 in Billboard 100. Still not sure whether it will catch on and make an impact outside of Urban music radio over here in the UK, but who cares? As stated before tune will make the "back of the bus" top 5 without doubt!

Friday, 29 May 2009

Conceived around the time her mother was going into her Rastafarian faith, it was decided that Africa would have been appropriate nickname for the first child, especially as she was giving birth to a female. It became Ifrica when she went to live with her mother in Montego Bay; a place where everybody in the household’s name begun with the letter ‘I’. Queen derived from Rastafarians referring to women as Queen or Empress.

Daughter of Ska legend Derrick Morgan, the Fyah Mumma's musical talents were honed whilst singing at Rastafarian gatherings, but begun professionally when she won a competition called Star Search in Montego Bay in 1995. As a result she performed in a prime time slot at Reggae Sumfest later on that year then deciding to take making music seriously after meeting Rastafarian artist Tony Rebel, once again in Montego Bay in 1998.

Despite her hectic schedule, Ifrica is involved in several youth outreach programs in Jamaica's inner-city counseling abuse victims and other disadvantaged individuals. She also performs at various charity events shows where proceeds are donated to the cause.

With an outspoken nature reminiscent to that of Peter Tosh, versatile delivery - switching melodic singjay or ferocious MC delivery - of Sizzla combined with the "Poor people's Governor" stance made popular by Bounty Killer, the Queen has made a rapid rise as the premier Roots Reggae femcee.

To pay homage to the place that both raised her and played an integral part to her career, Queen Ifrica releases her second album aptly-titled Montego Bay (released 16th June). Touching on subjects which plague many people across the globe ranging from child molestation on the controversial 'Daddy', improving living conditions in the other side of popular tourist Jamaican city on title track 'Montego Bay' to romance on 'Far Away'.

Marvin Sparks caught up with Queen Ifrica to discuss her experience growing up in Montego Bay, why females shouldn't use sex to sell, the controversial Daddy, her softer side and whether Bob Marley is the greatest Reggae artist ever!

Marvin Sparks: Why did you decide to make music?

Queen Ifrica: I think it’s a calling; the environment that I grew up in was very conscious, self-aware and poverty awareness. It was easy for me to bring that through to music so it made the job easier for me doing social work and going and talking to people, I could actually do more by putting it on a rhythm so it could go out further into the world and other people could have their input.

Marvin Sparks: You tackle a lot of thought-provoking issues in your music, where do you draw for inspiration when writing?

Queen Ifrica: I draw my inspiration from just observing my surroundings. Looking around me, my community, in my circle where I socialise... There are things there which are noticeable especially where young people are concerned. In society today we complain a lot about how young people are not focused and not knowing their rights - and it’s not just young people, but people in general. It’s not that I have the answers for all the problems that we face, but being an observer of the things that I personally have experienced as an individual living also. Being among the people, I am not alien to their [suffering] and the things that they go through, so it makes it easier for me to write about it.

Marvin Sparks: Do you think it’s important for artists to use their voice as a tool to teach rather than just something to sing along?

Queen Ifrica: Yes I really do think it is important because if it was not the Almighty would have given each and every individual the ability to hold a note and to sing with a melody. So I think that if we find ourselves in a position of people who have that influence and voice, I think it would be fair - it’s not like you necessarily have to because at the end of the day it’s your talent, you do what you want to with it - but it would be fair to give back if the Almighty saw it fit to give you such a beautiful gift. I think it would be fitting that he’d want you to give back something positive and contribute to the development of the beautiful world that I think he would love to see.Marvin Sparks: What do you make of female artists who use sex to sell? Do you think it has an adverse effect on impressionable females?

Queen Ifrica: I just think those females who do that, it’s just impatience. I think it’s not willing to sit it out and wait for their time. You have an artist that will be famous today, you have another that will be famous tomorrow, another one next week, another one next year and another one that will be famous in ten years time. It is what those individuals do with their fame that will determine how long they are here for or what their contribution is.

Therefore, I don’t believe in females who believe they have to sell sex to be recognised or on par with men. As a woman, sex can’t be the reason you sell music because you think you are going to be popular quicker or get more recognition because at the end of the day when you become 60, if you’re lucky to see that age, you are going to have a lot of remorse and regret because you aren’t going to be able to go on stage and grab up yourself and talk about your private parts. Create a balance from now so that when you become older so don’t feel embarrassed.

Marvin Sparks: You grew up in Jamaica’s 2nd city, Montego Bay; how would you describe growing up?

Queen Ifrica: Growing up in Montego Bay was very interesting because it was a very Rastafarian surrounding. It was about self-awareness, consciousness, living in the hills, accepting self and being responsible for our actions and the things we do in life. I would say that my Rastafarianism came from my surroundings in Montego Bay because that’s where I was really introduced to Rastafari by my mum, so it has been a wonderful journey in the fact that I’ve gotten a chance to understand who I am as an individual and understand my surroundings.

Marvin Sparks: Was there a lot of crime in your area?

Queen Ifrica: Crime is something that has always been around since the inception of mankind. However we find that there has not been enough solutions to help with the decline of it. You find that with people wanting to make money more and more, crime is always going to be on the increase because crime, greed, poverty - all these things walk in the same shoes. As long as we have these things around, crime is always going to be on the increase until mankind realise that greed, these things come with a repercussion, and the repercussion is usually crime.

Marvin Sparks: You recorded a song ‘Rise Ghetto Youths Rise’; which ways do you feel the Government should help?

Queen Ifrica: Government are voted in by people who are going through difficulties in their lives and these are people [the Government Ministers] who present themselves as people who have access to the solutions of suffering. It happens every time an election is coming around; you find [the Government Ministers] gather together and come up with campaigns, strategies and teams about the troubles people are facing and the people believe these promises and these mislead opinions. They vote based on that only to find out as soon as they get into power, they forget everything about what it is the people put them there to do.

My thing is that, it’s not only in the Caribbean, England or in America that people and politicians have problems, so I think it’s fitting for us as people to look into ourselves and see that the solution that we seek for our problems really lay amongst us as people. Instead of us going out and voting for these individuals who obviously don’t have our interest at hand, I think we should find a ways to communicate amongst ourselves. Just as we can gang up together and rally to support politicians we think have our interest, we could gather up our own forces to go into our own communities to discuss our own issues and come up with ways we can help ourselves instead of waiting on politicians because it is never going to happen in this lifetime and it never happened in the ones before.

Marvin Sparks: One of the most controversial songs on your album is 'Daddy' where you talk about child molestation. What were your reasons for making this song?

Queen Ifrica: Well my reasons are, as I said, we live in a society where we blame a lot on the things that aren’t going the way they are supposed to go, but we never look at what is causing these things to not necessarily go the way they are supposed to. We have a whole lot of elements of negativity around us today and sometimes when you go one-to-one with these individuals that are creating these problems you find that incest is usually one of the problems for these reasons.

It is not the only reason because many people have reasons for why they act badly, but from research, just looking into young people and their withdrawal, they’ve been abused by not just their biological parents, but an adult who should know better. It could be anyone who is not your actual spouse who’s doing something of a sexual act on you. As doing a lot of social work, we go into a lot of institutions that house these kind of people [sexual abuse victims]. They have kids from the age of 9-20, some who are pregnant by their dad’s and other family members. There is no way that you can comfort these individuals. They think it’s their fault that these things have happened to them, but [we have to explain] it’s not. It’s a sick individual who didn’t know better at the time of what they were doing.

I think that [it is fitting] being the voice of the voiceless that is putting their career on the line to say I can be a martyr. A lot of people thought it was something that happened to me personally, but I’m fortunate to have not shared that experience. Unfortunately there are many who have and as I said earlier I can not alienate myself from the troubles of the people because I live in the society where I can see the effects of it. We’re saying this could be one of the reasons that stuff are the way it is. Aren’t you going to look into it and create better punishments and better laws to accommodate the repercussions that come with these things?

Marvin Sparks: What were your thoughts on the banning of the song in Jamaica?

Queen Ifrica: I don’t think it was justified, but I think it was a beautiful though. Incest affects the middle-class. You’ll find that a lot of people from that aspect of society who drive around in their jacket and tie sleep with their sons and daughters and their family members. [They are also people who] hold high positions in big businesses. Some of these businesses happen to be radio stations that are responsible for playing the music to the people. They didn’t think it was fitting for prime time play because people may be offended by what [I sung].

Then there are normal people in the streets who are very appreciative of a song like that. They would embrace it with open arms the fact that someone who is a public figure would put themselves into a position to sing a song like that. Whether or not you are going to get their 100% that you need to get your message across is another thing. But it’s never about worrying about what they think or what they would do, [because if it was] the song wouldn’t come up everyday and everybody would not know whether they are able to enjoy it.

Marvin Sparks: You do also have a softer side to you with songs like your lead singe ‘Far Away’.

Queen Ifrica: Well it’s not necessarily a softer side you know. For me as an artist, I don’t think there is an artist that is there to only sing one particular topic or to be in one particular mood all the time. Music has a freeness about it; depending on the riddim you get at the time and the meditation that you are under at that time, that will come out into the song that you decide to put on that particular project. 'Far Away’ is one of those riddims where it doesn’t have hardcore, social or any of that type of vibe. It has more instruments in it and it accommodates that [lovers] kind of vibe.

Marvin Sparks: Is there a personal favourite?

Queen Ifrica: Ahhh, personal favourite. Let me think [long pause]. I don’t want to be unfair to my babies because they are all my favourites [laughs]. I like ‘Coconut Shell’ and ‘Lioness on the Rise’. It’s kind of hard to choose but ‘Coconut Shell’ has a vibe to me, still - and also ‘Lioness on the Rise’ which surprisingly is doing so well at the moment. I give thanks for that.

Marvin Sparks: My personal favourite is ‘Keep it to Yourself’.

Queen Ifrica: Well yes, ‘Keep it to Yourself’ has a beautiful vibe.Marvin Sparks: I like the way you put your opinion across. You voiced your opinion and it wasn’t offensive, you just said you don’t agree with it and why.

Queen Ifrica: See we live in a world today where speaking on what you believe in - whether it’s good for you or bad for you or for the person listening - has been compromised whichever elements were set up to distort freedom of speech. My thing is not to tell an individual how to live their life, so I think it would be fair for me to ask them not to try to dictate to me how I should live my life. If a lot of us approached it from that angle we wouldn’t be fighting across the table for so long.

Marvin Sparks: What is the overall message you would like people to take away from the album?

Queen Ifrica: The message I would like people to take away from the album is this is not Queen Ifrica who you need to listen to and be praising, just accept it as an individual who has a talent and has decided to use it towards a positive contribution. If you are an individual who believes we live in a world where we don’t have to agree with everyone and everything, but we can meet halfway then this album is for you. It has nice melodies, you can sing along, you can dance but you can have a hearty conversation based on the topic I choose to touch on.

Marvin Sparks: Any plans on touring?

Queen Ifrica: We are going to do some tours in America in July to promote the album. Also going to do some festivals in Europe and I’ll be going around the Caribbean. It’s a whole lot of work but I enjoy it because it gives me the chance to do what I am passionate about, which is reminding us we can do what we want as long as it is in the context of what the Almighty want us to be.

Marvin Sparks: Who were you musical influences growing up?

Queen Ifrica: Nina Simone, Bob Marley - not because of his popularity but what he represented as an individual who took it upon himself to take on world problems and do it in a way that everyone across the world could see where he was coming from, both culturally and politically.

Marvin Sparks: That’s a hot topic in Jamaica right now. Buju Banton said he doesn’t feel Bob was the greatest. He said Bob was the most promoted and said it isn’t correct that the whole genre is credited to Bob Marley, put artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh on the same level, and said the greatest is yet to come. Do you feel he is the greatest?

Queen Ifrica: I can not say he was the greatest ever and I’m not taking anything away from him. Bob Marley is Bob Marley. There is never going to be another Bob Marley, but there are many who have done the work with the same passion as Bob had. The thing about Bob is that, I think personally that Bob’s success was based upon his passion. He had a passion as an individual in music that whatever he got, whether it was promotion, admiration or popularity, it came because of the passion that he had as an individual for what he was doing.

I think where a lot of out follow-ons in the form of superstars have fallen off is they were willing to go as far as they could but not beyond where they could go. Bob Marley got some promotion and help from Chris Blackwell and all those who helped him, but if he did not put in the work he was putting in while he was getting help then he would only be someone who could have been what he is today. While you cannot take away the fact that he works, I cannot say that he is the greatest of all that came along because Culture is still alive, Burning Spear is still alive, my dad [Derrick Morgan] is still alive, Bunny Wailer - all the great people who are recognised in the same places that Bob is. Maybe not to the same level, but the fact remains there names are still there and that has to count for something.

Interview conducted by Marvin Sparks [www.marvinsparks.blogspot.com]

Montego Bay is released on 16th June by VP RecordsFor more info visit www.myspace.com/queenifrica

Thursday, 28 May 2009

In the previous post - Tinchy Stryder interview - I posted a video of Tinchy Stryder featuring Roachee - Rollin' and was reminded of this legendary video. Road DVDs were the ting back then. Streets Incarcerated and Risky Roadz being the leaders IMO. Anyway, enough typing, watch and reminisce

Met Dirty Danger the other day and forgot to big him up for this beat/bars. Slippin'. If you're reading Dirty: riddim stinks, vid is legendary *salutes*. Roachee; you bunned dis down on a next level. Too many reload bars - wouldn't know where to start quoting

Grace Jones, Aswad (Brinsley Forde, Drummie Zeb and Tony Gad), the i-Threes (featuring Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Erica Newell), VV Brown and Tinchy Stryder will be the featured singers with Sly & Robbie and The Compass Point All Stars on Tuesday 26th May at Shepherds Bush Empire as part of the previously announced Island 50th birthday celebrations. Each of these will perform a song or two (or even three) from Island’s illustrious back catalogue with one of the most famous Jamaican rhythm sections of all time.

PyroRadio.com caught up with recent Island signing, chart topper Tinchy Stryder to discuss life after Number 1, address the rumours printed in the tabloid, how much the features contributed to his success, the forthcoming album and the importance of performing at Island’s 50th celebration.

PyroRadio.com: Number is the first single called Number 1 to reach number 1. What were you initial thought s when you heard it back? Did you think it would reach number 1?

Tinchy Stryder: I didn’t think [it would reach] number 1, but I knew I’d recorded a big track. The feeling of making a good song is good enough for me, but to go to number 1 is just something I didn’t expect, to tell you the truth. When we came out of that session we didn’t think number 1, we called it Number 1 because that’s what it was about.

PyroRadio.com: Now that you have topped the charts, what’s the best thing about being a pop star? Have you received any good perks yet?

Tinchy Stryder: When you’re in that world, there are a lot of things that happen in that world, the mainstream world like parties and that but I hardly go to them things. I just record my music that reaches out to them. I can’t really tell you because I am not really trying to live in that world right now.

PyroRadio.com: One perk you got was going to see Manchester United versus Tottenham. How was that?

Tinchy Stryder: That was the first I’ve been time I’ve been to Old Trafford and I’m a Manchester United fan. I had the best seats; I was in the platinum lounge. We were losing the match 2-0 at half time so I started thinking ‘Why did I choose this match to go to,’ but we ended up wining 5-2. It was madness.

PyroRadio.com: What changes have you had to make? Do you have to be careful of who you are seen with, what areas you go to and things of that nature?

Tinchy Stryder: The thing about not going of certain places is just natural from just how it is in London or wherever else, so before your famous or known you have to be weary of where you’re going. Now my face is a bit more [known] and on TV all the time it’s even worse, so you just have be careful, watch what you’re doing and know who you are around. Couple things about being seen with certain people, I don’t really see it that deep, but lately I‘ve been reading a few things about me in the paper, that’s not really true so you gotta be careful.

PyroRadio.com: What do you think of the way The Sun has been treating you? It seems like they are showing more love to N-Dubz.

Tinchy Stryder: You know what’s mad? We were on tour when all them things were going on so I didn’t really read it but we were hearing about it. One day that had this about me, but they didn’t mention anything about N-Dubz. I don’t know if someone from - I don’t know somehow got some next story about us having some argument, me and Dappy which isn’t true. Then next time... but it’s all cool. It’s the press, man.

PyroRadio.com: Going to clear up some of the stories they’ve reported; are you 5ft 1?

PyroRadio.com: Are you in a relationship with one of the girls from [girl group] The Saturdays?

Tinchy Stryder: With a girl from The Saturday’s?! This is a new one to my ears! I ain’t with no one from The Staurday’s or no one that you’ve read in the papers.

PyroRadio.com: That was in there, still.

Tinchy Stryder: Yeah, I’ve heard about a few. I like The Saturdays. I like their music and they look good. Don’t believe the hype!

PyroRadio.com: Can you understand why people think you only got those chart positions due to your features?

Tinchy Stryder: I can sort of see that but then at the same time, both of the features I had on the songs none of them had - like Taio Cruz; before the song by me and him, his highest chart position was number 5; we got to number 3 and he’s a big artist - very talented - so that shows I brought something to the table. N-Dubz; Dappy is like my brother. We worked on that track - wrote it together - but before Number 1, N-Dubz hadn’t had a top ten, so it’s not like I’m using people who were getting higher chart positions to get to where I’m getting.

That’s just one of those things that come with it. When you know what you can do, how to write and how much wok you put in, all of the doesn’t matter. I believe in working with people and making everything better. Money is the motive brother [laughs]

PyroRadio.com: Grime fans are usually very critical of people not making or pushing Grime music. Was it a tough decision to make the music you are now making?

Tinchy Stryder: It wasn’t a tough decision because I didn’t sit down and think about changing my music. I’ve been writing lyrics and going on pirate radio from the age of 13, so naturally you want to develop and try other things out as in how you are recording music. So it wasn’t a thing where I thought ‘Let me do this or do that‘ because I still record tracks I used to record before, [the singles] are just what comes out and the masses hear.

PyroRadio.com: Chipmunk recently signed to Sony Music Entertainment, many will see your success going down a different route and may want to follow. What do you see for the future of Grime?

Tinchy Stryder: Grime has been happening for a while, it hasn‘t been as long as everyone thinks as well. It has gone from when there was Jungle, and then there came UK Garage and then it turned to Grime - its always growing. But it was always a thing where the people who were at the top of Grime - like Wiley and that - people have to understand that Grime is where we are from so it’s always getting [represented]. People just expect [artists] to be stuck in one box and make certain tracks just for certain people, but [artists] are more talented than that, so if you can make tracks people can relate to it’s all free.

I think as long as [Grime artists] keep doing what they are doing, because there are a lot of people making deep, dark Grime and still doing a lot of good music. I don’t think it’s dead, I just think people think why are [artists] who are leading it not making the hard Grime, but then there won’t be space for no one else to come through, so everything to move on.

PyroRadio.com: Who do you rate in the Grime scene at the moment?

Tinchy Stryder: Who am I rating right now? Hmm... [deep thought] There’s nothing new that’s exciting me. Everyone who I am rating has been doing their thing. I haven’t heard anyone new, but I know there’s a lot I just haven’t heard yet. There are a lot of good people coming up from Bow, have to big up my ends.

PyroRadio.com: Why do you think you succeeded in going from underground to mainstream where many others failed?

Tinchy Stryder: I think a lot of people are afraid to try things, think too deep and worry about what a lot of people think, but the people they are worrying about are the minority of people. Everyone has just got their mind set in one place. It’s like you asked about people thinking my chart success is because of my features, if you asked certain people that if they have a track planned they will say they can’t have a feature. Me, I just think of what is going to be the biggest move at the time for me and my career, then I‘ll worry about the rest later on, after I count my pee [money].

PyroRadio.com: Form 696 is in the news right now. A form many claim is detrimental to the live events of genre’s associated with urban music. One event that you was recently meant to appear at was victim to this. Some claim it is racist, some claim it is protecting ravers; what are your thoughts?

Tinchy Stryder: There are reasons why they try and lock off raves because of things that happened in the past but I think there are ways where things can be organised where they can be run smoothly. There are deeper things going on in the world than concentrating on that.

PyroRadio.com: You toured with N-Dubz and performed at Radio 1 Big Weekender; was it hard adjusting from spraying bars to get a wheeled on sets to performing in front of all those people who aren’t familiar with Grime culture?

Tinchy Stryder: It’s actually mad. When you’re changing from [Grime performances] to [mainstream performances] at first it’s a little mad, but I’ve been doing it for a little while now from Star In The Hood album came out in 2006, then I went on tour with Kano and Jack Penate and they had big crowds as well, so I’ve been changing for a little while now. It’s great to know that these who would have never known the music we made originally, now they’re understanding and relating so that opens doors for more people. Hopefully more people get signed. Like you said, Chipmunk got signed the other day and the whole scene’s coming through, so everyone’s on the same level and making good music. It’s true.

PyroRadio.com: You got knocked off number 1 yesterday by Black Eyed Peas, but it looks like Dizzee Rascal is going to take it off them this week.

Tinchy Stryder: Yeah, hopefully he can get another number 1. I’m feeling that tune.

PyroRadio.com: You are doing the concert in aid of Island celebrating 50 years. How important is it for you to be on a line-up with so many legends in years gone past?

Tinchy Stryder: It’s one of those things where it’s a big achievement. It something where a lot of people don’t even get to meet these people, but to be performing on the same stage as them, especially with what they’ve done in their careers previously it’s an honour.

PyroRadio.com: When can we expect an album?

Tinchy Stryder: July.

PyroRadio.com: Definitely July?

Tinchy Stryder: Yeah.

PyroRadio.com: Any dates in July?

Tinchy Stryder: Do you know what? When people give dates and then it gets changed or you want to go and buy an album and it gets changed, it’s annoying. I’m just going to tell you July until I know 100%. So July, look out for it. I’m excited for everyone to hear it.

PyroRadio.com: How would you describe it from the songs you have recorded so far?

Tinchy Stryder: From the singles that everyone has been hearing, that’s the new Tinchy sound when it comes to the singles. I’ve heard a lot of people trying to make their singles like that now, but its all good ‘cos that’s what the music’s for - you can try different things. My album is all different. I’ve got older things I‘ve been doing mixed with the new sound, its crazy. I’ve got production from Rapid, Dirty Danger, Fraser T Smith, Frankmusic - I’ve just been working hard. Right now I’m at the stage of cutting down songs.

PyroRadio.com: Are there any other projects you got coming out? Stuff with Ruff Sqwad, a funky skank [dance]?

Tinchy Stryder: [laughs] Do what, a Funky skank? One of them skanking tunes? [laughs] Nah, nah, I leave that to the people who do that, I just enjoy listening and dancing to the tracks, but that‘s not me, man. When my albums out, I may put out a free download CD with freestyles, more grimier things. I just like recording music so whatever comes out, comes out.

PyroRadio.com: Your Twitter’s quite popular; fans are usually quite demanding and have a few words to say when artists don’t respond. Have you encountered that often?

Tinchy Stryder: Yeah, but like I was saying it’s hard to keep up because there are a lot of things going on in your life. It’s not like I’m sitting in front of a PC or Twittering on my phone the whole time. Its more like [a tool] to keep the fans updated with what’s going on. For me, if I was a fan of someone and I could see what they’re are getting up to that would be good enough for me. Once in a while you may get a reply - I try to get back to as many people as I can - but it is actually hard.

PyroRadio.com: You recently went to America, can you speak on what that was about?

Tinchy Stryder: I can’t really speak on what that was about. I went out there and had a good meeting. I had a little sit down with Universal out there, just going through a few things. Just a couple days off from everything that was going on here.

PyroRadio.com: Any developments with Star In The Hood merchandise coming soon?

Tinchy Stryder: We’re trying to expand that now. We aren’t trying to do too many silly things. You know sometimes people do too much and then you flood the market. We’re just taking it step-by-step. A lot of the people who like Star In The Hood are younger people. Although the older people like the t-shirts and that. There’s hoody’s, jumpers and t-shirts right now so probably some hats, tracksuits and that - I’m looking into it.

"Di bwoy say him just make a duppy, well a lie that" (listen to Bounty Killer - Just Mek A Duppy)

hence re-ignites. No idea why he goes at Bling Dawg and Marshall again when Serani and Bugle sound like they are taking it to him

What's good with Killer? Flippa Mafia is dissing Bounty about his unfinished house, now Kartel blatantly calling him out. Killer declared he is turning a new leaf at a concert (possibly Follow The Arrow) in about February/March - he is past the clashing time and is moving on. Does everyone see him as an easy big fish victim now or something? Will go back on his word and respond? He hasn't been the most active in recent years so boyyy, its going to be interesting

Vybz Cartel obviously fears no one right now, with no reason to either. I can not see anyone who possess the skill, heat, venomous delivery and fans to topple him as the modern day Ninja Man. Would love to see him friendly clash Merciless though. A few repeated disses about Barber this and Bling Dawg not having kids but delivery, riddim choice and 2nd verse especially are mud!

One of the best roots riddims to come out this year. I say roots but Don Carleon's roots riddims are closer to Reggae R'n'B than real roots reggae that usually contain more predominant bass lines, minimal guitar licks and off-beat piano chords. Don's niche - which saw him revelutionise the roots genre with the popular Drop Leaf riddim - is a lush production incorporating more string arrangements.

Back to the video; they were obviously working with a smaller budget, but hey, its the music we are listening to and is a credit cruch we are dealing with - cheap and cheerful ah dweet. Big riddim.

Stand out cuts: Tarrus Riley - Getty Getty, Richie Spice - More Life.

Sadly, the video lacks the 2 biggest cuts; the Jah Cure (who's on fire right now) - Never Find and the signature track Changes by German Reggae superstar Gentleman. No coincidence that they are the biggest artists (name and brand) on the riddims. Guessing they couldn't get clearance from the labels and geographical hitch which is a shame.

Sunday, 10 May 2009

2 artists from the JukeBoxx stable join together in what is one of the best uses of two separate songs I have witnessed in any genre ever. The way the compliment each other combined with the video to get the visuals is an excellent concept. It is also set on my favourite culture riddim at the moment, Indiscretions, which is another plus.

Yes, that is Peetah Morgan from the world famous Morgan Heritage family on a solo tip. The female is a Guyanese singer who recently signed with Jukeboxx. Feeling her vibes (face, legs...), looking forward to hearing more from her.

Out of the many other great cuts, I'm feelin this one like nutt'n. Makes me wanna buil' a big head and I don't even smoke

Check my interview with the producer Shane Brown where we discussed his beginnings, JukeBoxx, Demarco’s departure, his recipe for Busy Signal’s recent success and how a Reggae producer makes money in these tough economical times and much more. Also Morgan Heritage interview from last year

Features a cameo from my... I mean HIS girlfriend/fiancé (they aren't married yet are they?) Konvict artist/possible hottest chick in the Dancehall game Tami Chynn. Marshy's been quiet for a while now, good to see he's back with a banger. Will recognise the riddim from Jah Cure's single 'Call On Me' (posted the vid the other day).

Really, really feeling this video. Love the concept of meeting at the hotel, topped off with the twist at the end where they both go back to the same house, styling in 2white BMW's with the mixed race child.

Very nice to see Reggae/Dancehall videos getting the right look now unlike them cheap CCTV looking ones they still had up to last year (apart from Portmore Empire anyway).

Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Over a year on and rinsed to the point I stand still when it's dropped. Did it take this long to get a budget for the single? Isn't there better things the money could have gone on in these tough economical times?

Real question is: has the clickin finger effect worn off or are girls still on it? The most response I got from clickin my fingers was a kissed set of teet'.

Saturday, 2 May 2009

Was only a matter of time before people cottoned onto The-Dream and Los Da Maestro's style (whom run Tricky and The-Dream's collabs verrrrrrrrrrrrry close). Ultimately its copying R. Kelly; reason I say Los and Dream is due to them being what's hot right now,

Sung by Def Jam signing Jeremih, this tune is gonna take over on different levels.

Definitely going to top Urban Rhythmic chart, will touch top 10 in Billboard 100. Not sure whether it will catch on and make an impact outside of Urban music radio over here in the UK, but who cares? Tune will make the "back of the bus" top 5 without doubt!

About Me

iJournalism, 3 R's: A spot where I rant, recommend & reminisce. My opinions are exactly that - moi's! They don't reflect any of the publications I contribute to or any of that baloney so no bodda try. If you like, muchos appreciation, if not "cLiCk ThE rEd X iN dA cOrNa InIt H8rS". Nah, only playing, let me know what you disagree with. All contact marvin.sparks220@gmail.com - if ya bad!